They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Gospel for Jan. 3, Mt 2:10-11)

It’s quite a magnificent scene: Intellectuals from a faraway land, not even of the Jewish faith, travel to pay homage to the newborn king. Their gifts acknowledge the child’s kingship and foreshadow the sacrifice he was to make. They are also a sign of what a gift this newborn king is to the entire world. We must also recognize every child as a gift to the world, created in the image of God himself. May we recommit ourselves with renewed vigor to protect and cherish the life and dignity of every human person.

Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:

I challenge you to take a concrete, tangible action to support the cause for life in your community, by donating money or supplies to a pregnancy resource center, praying outside an abortion facility or joining your parish’s pro-life group. Second, I challenge you to participate with your brother Knights in the Faith in Action Novena for Life program or, if possible, the March for Life program.

Questions for Reflection:

Do you see the image of God in every child, in every person, or do you sometimes look at others as objects to be used? What does taking action to defend life show you about how individuals can impact the world? What more can you do to support the cause for life, whether the contribution is great or small or consists of prayer or works?